- Rockin’ Patent: US Patent No. 4,915,005
- Filed: 25 August 1988
- In the name of: Optek Music Systems Inc
- Title: Fingering Display For Musical Instrument
- What’s claimed: ”Analyzing and teaching apparatus to be used in reference to a musical instrument of the type having at least one tone-selecting element manually operable in a range of configurations, comprising: manually operable input means including an electrically powered circuit for entering the conventional musical designation of a predetermined set of tones; said electrically powered circuit including a note-switch means having a first plurality of output lines, said note-switch means being manually operable to cause not more than two of said note-switch output lines to be selected at one time; said circuit also including a mode-switch means having a second plurality of output lines, said mode-switch means being manually operable to cause one and only one of said mode-switch output lines to be selected at one time; said circuit also including a type-switch means having a third plurality of output lines, said type-switch means being manually operable to cause one and only one of said type-switch output lines to be selected at one time; and indicating means coupled to said input means and responsive to the designation entered therein to give simultaneous indications of all the elements and all the configurations thereof corresponding to said predetermined set of tones.”
- Why this patent rocks: This patent appears to relate to Optek Music Systems Inc’s Advanced Polymer Fretboard with a built-in LED learning system. It is claimed that fingering information for chords, scales, songs, riffs and tablature illuminate on the Fretlight Guitar fretboard where individuals require it most, under their fingers. Optek Music Systems Inc claims that its interactive light system ‘allows the player to learn the guitar quicker and with better retention.’ For more information, see here.
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